Timing question...Inline 6

[Oshkosh1]

Does the rotor point directly at the #1 wire terminal with the points open when #1 is at TDC?. I'm installing a new distributor and need to get the allignment correct.

 

[Don S]

Re: Timing question...Inline 6

The only way to get it exact is to set the timing with a timing light.

 

[achris]

Re: Timing question...Inline 6

With the engine at the firing point on #1, the rotor should be pointing at #1 just as the points start to open... Set it up at that position will allow you to get the engine running, then set it with a timing light...

Chris........

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Timing question...Inline 6

The only way to get it exact is to set the timing with a timing light.

Yes...I will set the dwell, then time to 6deg BTDC Just need to get it started first.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Timing question...Inline 6

With the engine at the firing point on #1, the rotor should be pointing at #1 just as the points start to open... Set it up at that position will allow you to get the engine running, then set it with a timing light...

Chris........

Thanks to both...Wilco

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Timing question...Inline 6

With the engine at the firing point on #1, the rotor should be pointing at #1 just as the points start to open... Set it up at that position will allow you to get the engine running, then set it with a timing light...

Chris........

OK...so I did exactly that, even took off the valve cover and verified by seeing the intake closing and rotating to firing position.
BUT...it just "huffs and puffs". I can only get it to run by keeping the throttle down, and then it only seems to run on a couple of cylinders. It doesn't backfire through the exhaust though it does occasionaly pop through the carbie.

I had shut off the fuel line while cranking and setting the dwell, but I have a good solid "squirt" of fuel when the throttle is advanced from idle.

NOW...I measured the voltage at the + terminal on the coil and measured only 9v whilst cranking, and only 5v with the key in the run posit.

I checked all wires...between 5 and 8K ohms, good
I check all plugs via an inline plug light...so I'm getting spark(although admittedly I can't SEE how strong it is)
The battery is good...2y/o Interstate from my truck
Anything else to look at?

Thanks in advance...I'm offline until tomorrow aft, so I won't be able to respond immediately.

 

[achris]

Re: Timing question...Inline 6

In that situation I would re-check that I have the leads on the right plugs, and I have noted the direction the rotor goes round (I've done it, put the leads on in the reverse rotation..:facepalm... I would verify that the firing order written down IS the right firing order (if you have the rocker cover off that's reasonably easy to do)... I would recheck that I am on the dissy cam with the points about to OPEN, not on the wrong side of the cam and about to CLOSE (I've done that too)...Then run a wire directly from the battery positive to the coil '+'... That will be ok for you to get the engine running... If it starts and runs good, great! you have to chase a 'power to coil' problem... If not, you're back here telling me I know 'Jack'...

Chris.....
And one more thing... Check to make sure you haven't left the rotor out... Yep, done that too... :facepalm:

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Timing question...Inline 6

The easiest way to set the static timing is to get a test light. Find the TDC on the compression stroke, then turn the engine to the actual static timing mark - 6 BTDC. Then hook up the light between the wire coming from the distributor and a ground. Turn the distributor counterclockwise (I think!) to the point where the light just goes out. That should be close enough to get it fired up.

 

[Don S]

Re: Timing question...Inline 6

From your description, I think you are 180 out installing the distributor.
You first need to find #1 TDC. Here is the easy way to do that.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=427081

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Timing question...Inline 6

:facepalm:
So....Let's say you are looking for a pair of sunglasses. You look high and low, through drawers, in places you KNOW you didn't put them...only to find out they're on top of your head?

I have that feeling right right now. I had my wires crossed...I failed "Ignition 101"

Thanks all for the help...

It fires up and runs like a top.

Now I'll address the electrical issue.

 

[achris]

Re: Timing question...Inline 6

:facepalm:
So....Let's say you are looking for a pair of sunglasses. You look high and low, through drawers, in places you KNOW you didn't put them...only to find out they're on top of your head?

I have that feeling right right now. I had my wires crossed...I failed "Ignition 101"

Thanks all for the help...

It fires up and runs like a top.

Now I'll address the electrical issue.

Hey, I just had a look at '44N/88W', you got expert help on your doorstep! That's where Mercury Marine are, and that means your engine was built there.... Hey, I have a small package I would like delivered to Mercury...Just, it ticks, and you can't put it in water.

How about it?

Chris........

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Timing question...Inline 6

I have a small package I would like delivered to Mercury...Just, it ticks, and you can't put it in water.

How about it?

Chris........

Fond du Lac is about 20mi south of here...so, yes it's virtually "next door". Needless to say, it's predominantly Mercury/Mercruiser territory here. As a matter of fact the "Walleye Weekend" fishing tournament down there requires that any boat participating uses Merc engines.

As for the "package"...I have a vision of Inspector Clouseau flashing before me!